News Briefs (Aug. 26, 2014)Cattlemen to learn about fall plantings The Yell County Cattlemen’s Association will meet Thursday at the Havana School Cafeteria. The meeting will start with a meal at 6:30 p.m. Following the meal, Cassie Kearns with Barenburg Seed USA and Kenny Simon, University of Arkansas forage specialist will present a program on planting and managing fall/winter forages. The program will teach what to plant, when to plant, and how to manage to extend th...

DPD arrests parole absconderDARDANELLE — The Dardanelle Police Department (DPD) arrested a parole and probation absconder Sunday when she was found acting suspiciously in a local retail store. The store manager called DPD because Amanda Lane, 34, "had been in the store for several hours," according to a police report. The manager reportedly told DPD officers Lane had put hand sanitizer into her own eyes. When officers responded, Lane allegedly told them she "had a bad da...

Foods you can stop buying and start making yourselfEven if you’re a well-versed cook, there are certain foods you may not have ever considered making yourself. For example, when is the last time you made your own apple sauce, jam or chutney? While preparing these staples from scratch does take more time than picking up a store-bought variety, the benefits to DIY are numerous, say experts. “Making the foods you typically buy means you can skip the artificial flavors, preservatives and generous ...

Americans not getting enough relaxation timeNearly all Americans understand that relaxation time is essential to good health, yet most of us don’t spend nearly enough time unwinding during a typical day or week. While our society acknowledges that kicking back is indispensable, we don’t seem to be practicing what we preach. Indeed, 99 percent of Americans think relaxation is important, yet they actually spend less than 5 percent of their day relaxing, according a new independent researc...

Rye awarded director of the yearDr. JemmiLou Rye, formerly of Russellville, was awarded director of the year by the Orpheum Musical Theatre Award for her direction of the musical “Into the Woods.” This was the fifth annual presentation recognizing the work in musical productions by 28 area high schools in the Tennessee Regional Area. The president and CEO, Pat Halloran, presented the awards at a “Tony Award like” presentation on May 12. This program is affiliated with the Na...

Mullen proclaims candidacy for Russellville School BoardMy name is Jami Smith Mullen and I am running for the Russellville School Board’s At Large Position 2. I am a RHS graduate as well as a graduate of Arkansas Tech University with a BS in Early Childhood Education. I have taught at Oakland Heights and Sequoyah Elementary schools. I also taught Pre-K at First United Methodist Church TLC for nine years. In 2005, my husband Jim and I opened our family owned business, Mullen Team Sports in downtown ...

McGee announces candidacy for re-electionCarolyn McGee announces her candidacy for re-election for the position of mayor of the city of Dardanelle in the general election Nov. 4. She expresses appreciation for the support that you have given her and asks for your vote in the upcoming election. McGee said she looks forward to continuing the work that has been planned and approved by the city council. “I am grateful for the public trust placed in me and proud to serve the citizens of D...

PCLS honors deceased staffer through dedicatory bookThe Russellville branch of the Pope County Library System plans to honor long-time staffer Earlene Peak, the library system’s first assistant director, who died Aug. 13. PCLS Director Shawn Pierce told the board of trustees during its regular meeting Wednesday the library would dedicate a book in Peak’s honor from the staff. The board approved promoting Kevin Massey from assistant branch manager to branch manager of the Russellville Library ef...

News Briefs (Aug. 24, 2014)Arkansas Citizens Against Clean Line Energy meeting The Arkansas Citizens Against Clean Line Energy will conduct a meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday in the student services building on the Arkansas Tech University-Ozark campus. Anyone interested in carpooling or doing a caravan may visit: www.facebook.com/groups/blockcleanlinepope/. Bow Jam at Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge and The Friends of Holla Bend wil...

Dardanelle renews educational program grantDARDANELLE — The Dardanelle School District (DSD) is one of 21 schools in Arkansas to receive a grant to continue a before-and-after-school program. The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) announced Thursday DSD is one of several schools statewide to receive $660,000 in 21st Century Community Learning Grants, which will pay for tutoring, homework assistance and other activities. Instructional Supervisor Jamie Burris said the school has rece...

Atkins Catholic church celebrates 135 yearsATKINS — One hundred thirty-five years ago, German immigrants gathered in celebration of their newly-formed church — now known as the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church. Located at 118 Ave. Three NE in Atkins, descendants of those founders gathered to celebrate its history in the Catholic church’s 111-year-old building along the railroad tracks. More than 175 people attended the church’s 135-year celebration on Friday, which...

Boys and Girls Club celebrates with KleineIt was a nearly 7-foot tall Olympian and NBA Champion who gave a standing ovation Thursday night at the Russellville Boys and Girls Club. Joe Kleine stood with club sponsors in recognition of two individuals and one business that made a significant impact on the club in the past year during the annual Standing Ovations banquet. Founder Dan Nicholson presented Mariah Ellis, James Biggers and Tyson Foods with the Golden Triangle Awards and also ...

Pottsville adds $35,000 for high school lotPOTTSVILLE — The Pottsville Board of Education approved the addition of $35,121 for the high school parking lot project during its regular meeting Thursday. When the scheduled resurfacing of the high school parking lot began, Superintendent Larry Dugger said, there was more to be done than originally thought. The board unanimously approved the change order. The district will purchase 20 laptops from CDW-G for $14,715, which the board approved....

Commission finalizes election plansThe Pope County Election Commission approved Wednesday ordering 17,485 paper ballots in addition to absentee ballots for the Nov. 4 general election. "As usual, there will be the option of touch-screen voting," Election Coordinator Sherry Polsgrove said after the meeting. The commission approved conducting poll-worker training, to include practicing on the tablets, Sept. 22-23. Polsgrove confirmed the logic and accuracy (L&A) testing was compl...

Russellville employees focus on safety, wellness Tracey Cline-Pew, the city of Russellville’s human resources and safety coordinator, told the City Council during its regular meeting Thursday that she is focused on providing city officials and employees with a safer and more physically fit environment. During her departmental report to aldermen, Cline-Pew explained the city received a “very good report” following a recent safety review. She said she plans to continue to develop a culture of ...

Commission gives $50,000 for Hickey renovationsThe Russellville Advertising and Promotions (A&P) Commission voted to provide $50,000 for the Hickey Park baseball and softball field renovation project during its regular meeting Thursday. Russellville School District (RSD) Athletic Director Johnny Johnson requested a grant from A&P during its last meeting to help fund four new dugouts at the high school baseball and softball fields at Hickey Park. "What we want to do for the home dugouts is ...

Public hearing Monday for new restaurantCity Planner David Harris said a public hearing will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Monday at Russellville City Hall regarding the exterior design of the incoming Steak 'n Shake restaurant. Steak 'n Shake is expected to ask for relief from current city zoning codes. The new restaurant will be located on North Sydney Avenue in the lot adjacent to Buffalo Wild Wings, which is at 2212 E. Parkway Drive. City zoning code for commercial building states, "The...